Mophie and Belkin Already Offering Wireless Charging for new iPhones

Apple revealed during its iPhone event earlier this week that it’s going to release a wireless charging accessory later this year called AirPower. There’s no doubt that Apple has put all of its 10-plus years of designing phones into the X, but a completely new device will nearly certainly be less reliable than a time-tested design like the iPhone 8. Qi is Chinese for “energy flow” and pronounced “chee”.

Qi, Chinese for “energy flow”, is a wireless charging standard set up by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) in 2008. It’s a great charging pad to pick up for your desk and quickly top up your Galaxy Note 8 before heading out for the evening. Removing the friction involved when charging your device could be the difference between a full battery and a dead one at the end of your day. Wireless charging and inductive charging is also often referred to as resonant charging, but they’re not the same thing.

An upgraded Apple TV will support the high-resolution display known as 4K and more programming options as Apple steps up efforts to cut content deals and produce its own shows.

How does wireless charging work?

It was embedded in tables at Starbucks, because it’s possible to log usage, although some Starbucks have been adding Qi chargers, too. Why should phone manufacturers support it when there are no accessories, and why should accessory manufacturers invest in a standard when the consumer base is so small? This is an actual charging stand, so that you can use your phone as a clock next to your bed at night, while it is charging wirelessly.

Apple does give you a Lightning to USB-A cable bundled in the box but that can not do the job. Powermat itself makes one which plugs into the Lightning port: you can buy it for ten bucks, or borrow one while you sip your latte. Change can be slow.

If your phone is compatible with Qi charging, all you need to do is purchase a Qi charging pad.

If you have an Android phone, you may have Qi embedded already.

The Wireless Power Consortium has its Aircharge app, which is created to help you find nearby charging hotspots to pop into when you’re app is low. Or wait for the new iPhones.

On resonant chargers, the transmitter can detect and charge devices through non-metal surfaces up to 45mm away.